Football Club Faces Closure Nearing Centenary

A football club, established nearly a century ago, faces potential dissolution, being “on the brink of folding,” following the withdrawal of its primary sponsor. West Allotment Celtic (WACFC), based in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, indicated that its financial difficulties have been exacerbated by low spectator numbers. The Northern League, the competition in which the club participates, has imposed a two-week suspension of matches to allow time for the development of a recovery strategy. Chairman David Dodds commented: “We are not alone, non-league football everywhere is struggling to hold people’s interest.” Football’s presence in the West Allotment community dates back to the early 20th Century. The club adopted its current structure in 1928, resulting from the amalgamation of West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors, and has since competed at seven distinct venues. Mr Dodds stated: “We’ve been a good, steady club for generations. We’ve had some great players.” However, with its rent having tripled and the cessation of funding after its long-standing sponsor, Wade Financial, was acquired by a national company, the club announced it is assessing whether it “can continue.” “We’ve got an ageing committee, our treasurer has been there for 50 years, and the community don’t seem as interested in non-league football,” Mr Dodds further explained. He also noted: “We have introduced catering and installed a bar but our match day attendance is still only around 100 people.” Nevertheless, Mr Dodds mentioned that the club retains “a lot of goodwill.” He elaborated: “People whose grandad or dad played decades ago have been in touch saying they want to help, so we do really hope we can find a way forward.”